Yesterday I noticed a post on Facebook by a fellow writer.  She was drawing attention to a book review website that gave her a bad review.

Seemed a bit crazy to me on many levels to do this but I watched. I read the review and I watched - like the figurative fly on the wall.

As it happened. Several other writers came to her defense. They posted scathing remarks on said reviewers website/blog.

And I kept watching.

Soon, the bashed author posted her two cents on the reviewers blog and forced the reviewer to defend herself.

Shocked and awed doesn’t even begin to describe my amazement. I cannot believe someone who has published several books would behave this unprofessionally.

1. She embarassed herself

2. She called attention to a pretty scathing review. Why oh why?!

3. No reviewer in their right mind is going to want to review her books in the future. Publishing is a small world and with social networking and blogging it’s a matter of minutes before the entire world knows what an asshole you are.

4. Her faux pas is permanent.  There’s no way she can erase the damage she caused.

What Happened Next?

The reviewer acted incredibly professionally, despite being called out in a very unprofessional and downright agressive manner, and told the writer she should be looking for a private message/email in her inbox.

The writer posted ANOTHER rant on Facebook.

Oh well. Guess one less writer in the world makes room for another who can manage to control themselves.

Moral of this story…”If you don’t like a what a reviewer has to say, write better and relax. Drink a glass of wine and think about all the good reviews you have received.”

So yesterday I took the plunge and purchased a Livescribe pen. If you’re not familiar with these awesome little gadgets, it’s a pen that essentially photographs and records (audio) at the same time.

It’s perfect for the student who is taking notes in class because it also captures what the professor is saying. You then upload your notes onto your computer and you can search them, tag them and even email them or share them for collaboration.

Pretty cool, right?

However, not so great if you’re like me and are really looking for a way to not have to type everything you’ve written longhand. So for a year now, I’ve looked longingly at the Livescribe and thought, “If only.”

Boy was I stupid!

There is a software program that’s compatible with the Livescribe desktop called MyScript that converts your handwritten notes (which have to be written on special Livescribe paper which you can print yourself) into text.

Let me repeat that - it converts your handwritten notes into text.  You can edit the text, cut and paste, email and any other old thing you’d likely do with text.

For me this is a godsend! I tend to have much more productive, creative, and inspiring writing sessions when I can write the old fashioned way (no, not stone tablet and chisel!  Pen and paper.)

What I’ve learned….

My handwriting is atrocious!  Course, I already knew that the pen & software just reinforce it.  It reads print much better than cursive so I’m adapting. It’s worth the effort.  I no longer have to type 10-20 pages a night into my computer. I simply upload, convert and viola!  It’s amazing.

If you haven’t tried the Livescribe pen, check it out. It’s a bit pricey but if you’re like me and you prefer pen & paper form of creative writing then it’s definitely worth the investment. I’m saving hours a night typing and using that time for more worthy purposes - reading & writing of course!